PART 7

In this final episode of my conversations with the great grandchildren of the heroic Comanche leader, Quanah Parker, we open with a moving moment: Sandra, great-granddaughter of Quanah Parker, reads a heartfelt letter from her father, Baldwin Parker, Jr. — a message of strength, legacy, and deep-rooted pride.

Did you know that Quanah Parker was not only a fierce Comanche leader but also a savvy businessman? He was one of the largest shareholders in the Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Railway (QA&P), a 117-mile freight line that began service in 1902 and later merged with Burlington Northern Railroad in 1981. Tune in to hear how his descendants carry forward that pride in their family’s unexpected but powerful place in rail history.

We also explore the pivotal moment of Quanah’s surrender — a decision that weighed heavily on him as he navigated the impossible balance between protecting his people and adapting to a changing world.

We close with a heartfelt toast to Quanah’s enduring legacy, brought to you by War Chief Collection, a line of non-alcoholic beverages crafted by his descendant, Jody Colbert. The collection will relaunch in Summer 2025 — stay tuned at www.warchiefcollection.com!

Marʉawe to these Comanche elders who generously shared their stories and wisdom, now preserved for generations to come. 

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PART 6

In part 6 of this series, you’ll continue the Journey into the life, legend, and legacy of Quanah Parker — last chief of the Comanche, warrior, spiritual leader, and protector of Native tradition. 

You’ll learn from his descendants about:

• The powerful story of Quanah’s fight to preserve the sacred use of peyote through the Native American Church, and his pivotal role in protecting Indigenous religious rights. 
• Family stories and accounts from these elders that you won’t find in the history books.
• Don Parker singing the “Quanah Parker Song”. 
• We uncover the man behind the myth — a misunderstood figure whose acts of generosity still echo today. 
• Learn the story of how a medicine man helped the Comanches escape U.S. forces, collaborated by the “other side” of the story within the history books.
• The untold stories of Quanah’s home, the “Star House”. 

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PART 5

In Part 5 of Native ChocTalk’s powerful series on the legendary Comanche warrior Quanah Parker, his descendants share intimate stories about his mother, Cynthia Ann Parker — known to the Comanche as Na'ura (1827–March 1871).

Taken captive at just 9 years old during the Fort Parker Massacre of 1836, Cynthia Ann was raised by the Comanche people, eventually marrying Chief Peta Nocona (also known as Puhtocnocony and Tah-con-ne-ah-pe-ah, c. 1820–1864). Together, they had three children, including Quanah Parker, who would go on to become the last war chief of the Comanche.

This episode explores Cynthia Ann’s heartbreaking journey—from her deep love for her Comanche family to the grief she endured after being forcibly returned to the white world, separated forever from her son and tribe. You’ll hear the haunting lullaby “Where is My Boy Tonight,” a song she sang for years in mourning—and you’ll experience its emotional power as Don Parker, Quanah’s great-grandson, performs it in Comanche.

Also in this episode:

• The sacred Comanche traditions surrounding death and the journey after life
• Reflections on faith and identity: Did the Creator know us? Did He walk with our people and provide for us in the ways we lived and survived?

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PART 4

“Don’t let go of one foot in one place and one foot in the other. Don’t ever forget who you are. You are Comanche, you are Indian. You are a Parker.” 

- Jacquetta Parker, proud great-granddaughter of the legendary Comanche warrior Quanah Parker, sharing his timeless wisdom and guiding his descendants as they navigate the complexities of two very different worlds.

In Part 4 of this series, where I visited with the descendants of Quanah Parker, we explored a more personal side of the legendary Comanche leader—Quanah as a father, husband, and historical inspiration. Our conversation uncovered fascinating stories, including:

• Despite his reputation as a fierce and respected warrior, Quanah had a deep compassion for orphans and those in need.
• The time President Roosevelt visited his home.
• The treasured china passed down to one of his great-granddaughters.
• Insights into Quanah’s many wives.
• The remarkable story of how Quanah and the Mennonites envisioned and built Post Oak Mission.
• How both Comanche and English were sung and preached in the church.
• The role of frybread sales in rebuilding Post Oak Mission.
• The secret to making the perfect frybread—at least, according to these particular Comanches.
• Clumpy or soft frybread? You decide. (I say we settle this with a bake-off!)

Join me as we uncover these incredible stories, bringing Quanah’s legacy to life through the voices of his descendants.

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